August 2009 - Victorian Chairman Of Stewards

Sectional Times For Smaller Tracks

IN THE June edition of The Harness Racer, participants were notified of a change to the sectional time requirements which took effect from July 1, 2009.

This policy change will also apply for 3A0, 3A1 and 3A2 class races from December 1 each season (when sectional time requirements for three-year-olds become effective).

Accordingly, the current requirement to complete the first half of the last mile in 64 seconds or faster should be relaxed to 65 seconds or faster for all C0 only races throughout the season, and 3A0, 3A1 and 3A2 class races from December 1 each season for the following tracks only:-

·         Ararat (circumference 811-metres)

·         Echuca (circumference 805-metres)

·         Mildura (circumference 810-metres)

·         Nyah (circumference 805-metres)

·         Stawell (circumference 810-metres)

·         Warragul (circumference 835-metres)

Hopple Lengths

TRAINERS are advised that stewards will increase hopple length monitoring over the coming months for pacers performing inconsistently.

All trainers are reminded that they are required to accurately record the current hopple length for any horse in their care when submitting stable returns or making gear alterations.

Temporary Transfers

TRAINERS are reminded that where a circumstance may require them to temporarily leave a horse they train in the care of another trainer, they are obliged to obtain approval from the stewards prior to doing so.

The provisions of Rule 119A(1) state:-

“Where a trainer intends to leave another person in charge of a horse, the trainer must have obtained approval from the stewards prior to doing so.”

Part two of the same Rule states:-

“The details of the request must be confirmed by the trainer in writing within the time and contain the information required by the Controlling Body.”

Should stewards discover that any horse has been left in the care of another trainer and the change has not been advised to Harness Racing Victoria, the trainer of the horse is guilty of an offence and will be dealt with accordingly.

Whip Rule Reforms

HARNESS racing whip rule reforms continue to take shape following the National Harness Racing Chairmen Of Stewards Conference held at Tabcorp Park on June 15 and 16, 2009.

Speaking after the conference, Chairman John Schreck explained that the stewards considered and further developed a number of recommendations emanating from the Harness Racing Australia mid-season meeting in March.

“The Conference determined that while the use of a whip in harness racing is necessary, the management of this issue required consideration of the changing animal welfare landscape globally, while providing certainty for participants and punters.

“In what was a pro-active and robust debate, it was unanimously agreed that changes to the whip rule need to be uniform across the country, simple to interpret and provide for a consistent penalty system,” he said.

“The result was the drafting of a rule which provides for a rein to be held in each hand at all times, except when making necessary adjustments to apparatus or gear, while the approval of a lighter, longer whip was also recommended,” Schreck added.

The draft rule will now be considered by the Rules Committee before progressing to a vote at the HRA Annual General Meeting in October, after which it is anticipated each jurisdiction will introduce the reforms no later than January 1, 2010.

Relinquishment Of Training

TRAINERS should be mindful of Rule 119(1) that states:-

“A trainer shall on relinquishing the training of a horse immediately give notification of that fact to the Controlling Body.”

Trainers are asked to check the horses recorded on their stable listings and remove those that are no longer in their care.

Licence Renewals 2009/10

ALL current licensees should have received a renewal notification in the mail during late July 2009.

If you have not already done so please send your licence renewal to HRV for processing, otherwise you may find yourself unlicensed for the commencement of the new season.

A new photo-id/licence card for the 2009/10 season will be mailed to you during September.

This card identifies the holder and also serves as a harness card for trainers, drivers and any stable-hand who has chosen the $100 licence option.

Please note that you may use your current licence card during September 2009 until you receive the 2009/10 card ONLY if you have sent in your renewal for processing. 

You will note that once again the photo-id/licence card has your own individual five digit licence number printed on the card. 

For stable-hands who are under-18, an admission fee does not apply.

All stable-hands aged 18 year and over, who have chosen the $30 option will be required to pay an admission fee whenever attending the races.

Unlike all trainers and drivers, stable-hands DO NOT have any insurance coverage as a component of their licence fee.

HRV recommends that all licence holders - in particular stable-hands - consider taking out private health insurance.

We also encourage you to consider whether it includes ambulance services.  

Please remember that the photo-id/licence card must be worn so it is clearly visible to stewards, HRV and club officials, and security personnel at all times while attending to horses at trials and race meetings. 

The only exception will be for drivers when in driving attire for both trials and race meetings.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated and presents licensees in a professional light while maintaining the integrity of the harness racing industry.

OH&S Online Program

ALL licence applicants who are renewing or applying for a new licence for the commencement of the 2009/10 season must complete the online Occupational Health and Safety Program within one month of receiving their new licence card.

The 2009/10 OH&S Program has been updated and is relevant to the practical aspects of the harness racing industry.

It is a shorter, more concise program that will be more easily completed by all licensees.

As industry leaders in all aspects of harness racing, Victoria continues to set the example in regard to OH&S.

The online program further reinforces the fact that HRV is pro-active in endeavouring to improve the level of professionalism in harness racing. 

It is noted that industry participants are supportive of these initiatives, and continue to welcome the improvements that provide for a safer environment for all participants and public members.